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Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Item: Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2020

GenresAction, Shooter, Horror, Drama, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableNov 13, 2020

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

DeveloperTreyarch

Overview

The iconic Black Ops series is back with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War - the direct sequel to the original and fan-favorite Call of Duty: Black Ops. Black Ops Cold War will drop fans into the depths of the Cold War’s volatile geopolitical battle of the early 1980s. Nothing is ever as it seems in a gripping single-player Campaign, where players will come face-to-face with historical figures and hard truths, as they battle around the globe through iconic locales like East Berlin, Vietnam, Turkey, Soviet KGB headquarters and more. Beyond the Campaign, players will bring a Cold War arsenal of weapons and equipment into the next generation of Multiplayer and Zombies experiences. Welcome to the brink. Welcome to Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.

Elsewhere

7.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

TL;DR: "Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War" impresses with its gripping Cold War narrative and high production values, but critics slam its weak storytelling, lack of character depth, and rushed gameplay. While it offers fun mechanics and customization, the campaign's predictability and shallow narrative fail to deliver a truly impactful experience, leaving players wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

53%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War has garnered a mix of positive feedback from critics, highlighting its engaging elements and innovative features. Many reviewers, such as Eurogamer Italy and IGN Spain, praised the campaign for its gripping narrative set during the Cold War, emphasizing the espionage themes and the inclusion of historical figures like Perseus. Critics like GameSkinny and AusGamers noted the high production value and cinematic feel of the campaign, with choices that affect gameplay and multiple endings enhancing replayability. The character customization aspect, as mentioned by GameCrate and GamePro Germany, adds a layer of personalization that resonates with players, making the experience feel more immersive. However, the campaign has faced significant criticism for its shortcomings in narrative depth and character development. Critics such as Games.cz and Wccftech pointed out that the story struggles with a weak narrative that lacks memorable moments, with some describing it as shallow or predictable. The portrayal of violence and the right-wing slant, as noted by GameCritics, has also raised concerns among some reviewers. Additionally, many critics, including Gaming Age and COGconnected, expressed that the campaign feels rushed and linear, with a lack of innovation that prevents deeper engagement with the story and characters. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War offers an entertaining and action-packed experience, it falls short in delivering a cohesive and impactful narrative. Many reviews highlight the campaign's potential through its engaging gameplay mechanics and character choices but lament the lack of depth and emotional resonance in the story. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and PC Invasion encapsulate this sentiment, noting that despite its intriguing premise and nostalgic elements, the campaign's brevity and predictability ultimately detract from its overall effectiveness. As a result, while the game succeeds in providing an enjoyable experience, it may not fully satisfy those seeking a rich and meaningful narrative.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War shines in multiplayer with engaging modes and customization but stumbles in campaign quality, feeling linear and lacking depth. Critics praise its fast-paced action but criticize floaty gun mechanics and basic AI, leaving the single-player experience uninspired. Overall, it’s a mixed bag—perfect for competitive fans but lacking for those craving a compelling narrative.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

60%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for its engaging multiplayer modes and the introduction of new gameplay elements. Critics like GameSkinny and COGconnected highlight the multiplayer experience as a strong point, noting the blend of traditional and new modes, including a refined Create-a-Class system and character customization options. The campaign has been recognized for its pacing and mission variety, with critics such as New Game Network and TheGamer appreciating the mix of action and stealth elements, as well as the inclusion of dialogue choices that enhance player agency. Additionally, some reviewers, like AusGamers and PCGamesN, commend the Zombies mode for its fun, albeit simplified, mechanics that cater to both new players and series veterans. However, the game does face significant criticism, particularly regarding its campaign and overall mission design. Critics like DualShockers and Metro GameCentral express disappointment in the linearity of the campaign, suggesting that while the game offers an illusion of choice, many missions lack depth and challenge. The gun mechanics have also been a point of contention, with reviewers such as Forbes describing them as "floaty" and unsatisfying, while others like Riot Pixels mention the repetitive nature of gameplay elements. Furthermore, the AI has been criticized for being basic, which detracts from the overall experience, as noted by critics like Multiplayer.it and MGG Spain. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War offers a mixed gameplay experience. While the multiplayer modes and some campaign elements are praised for their action-packed nature and variety, there are notable shortcomings in mission design, gun mechanics, and AI behavior. Critics like GameSpot and God is a Geek find the gameplay dynamic, yet many echo the sentiment that the campaign feels uninspired and linear. This dichotomy leaves players with a game that excels in fast-paced multiplayer action but struggles to deliver a compelling single-player experience, making it a title that may appeal more to fans of the franchise's competitive aspects than to those seeking a robust narrative.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War dazzles on next-gen consoles with stunning visuals, impressive ray-tracing, and detailed environments, earning praise as one of the series' best-looking entries. However, graphics quality varies significantly across platforms, with the PS4 version lagging behind and issues like poor lighting and unrealistic animations detracting from the experience. While the campaign shines, critics agree it falls short of the high standards set by Modern Warfare, leaving its graphics a mixed bag of brilliance and inconsistency.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War have received a mix of praise from critics, particularly regarding the game's presentation on next-gen consoles. Many reviewers, such as Player 2 and Game Rant, highlight the stunning visuals, noting impressive ray-tracing effects and high frame rates that contribute to a visually appealing experience. Critics like Push Square and GameCrate commend the detailed locales, character models, and impressive cutscenes, with some even labeling it as one of the best-looking entries in the series. The campaign mode, in particular, has been noted for its breathtaking environments and intricate details, with critics like Impulsegamer and CGMagazine emphasizing the photorealistic fidelity and immersive settings that enhance the overall gameplay experience. However, the game is not without its criticisms, as several reviewers point out significant inconsistencies in graphics quality across different platforms and modes. Atomix and PlayStation Universe mention that the PS4 version suffers from a noticeable visual decline compared to the PS5, featuring low-quality textures and poor lighting. Critics like GamesBeat and Riot Pixels also note weaknesses, such as unrealistic hair animations and a lack of polish compared to previous titles like Modern Warfare. Additionally, some reviews, including those from GameSkinny and Digital Spy, highlight issues with enemy visibility and a muddy color palette in multiplayer, detracting from the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War showcases impressive graphics and visual design on next-gen consoles, it struggles with inconsistencies and optimization issues across various platforms. The game is praised for its detailed environments and character models, particularly in the campaign mode, but many reviewers agree that it does not reach the high standards set by its predecessor, Modern Warfare. Critics like Vandal and Eurogamer Italy emphasize that the game feels technically sound yet lacks the visual evolution expected from a new title in the franchise. As a result, the game's graphics are seen as a mixed bag, combining moments of brilliance with noticeable shortcomings.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War boasts a nostalgic soundtrack that critics praise for its era-appropriate tracks, enhancing the game's atmosphere. However, the sound design, particularly gun and environmental audio, disappoints many, lacking depth and realism compared to previous titles. This dichotomy leaves the game's audio experience feeling uneven, with some highlights overshadowed by significant shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

60%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War have received a mix of praise from various critics, particularly regarding the soundtrack. Many reviewers, such as Press Start Australia and Everyeye.it, highlighted the era-appropriate music, noting that tracks like Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky" and the incorporation of iconic '80s music contribute significantly to the game's nostalgic atmosphere. Critics like GameSpot and IGN Italia also praised the sound design for its effective orchestral score, which enhances the action-movie feel of the campaign. Additionally, the use of 3D audio technology on platforms like PS5 has been commended by several reviewers, including PlayStation Universe and Hobby Consolas, for providing an immersive experience that enhances spatial awareness in gameplay. However, the overall sentiment regarding the sound design is not as favorable, with many critics expressing disappointment in its execution. Jeuxvideo.com and PC Gamer both pointed out that the sound design lacks the depth and immersion found in previous titles, particularly criticizing the less impactful gun sounds. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy and Gaming Age echoed similar sentiments, noting that the weapon sounds feel inferior to those in earlier entries, which detracts from the overall experience. Furthermore, Guardian criticized the environmental design for failing to fully embrace the cultural references of the early 1980s, which added to the sense of disappointment regarding the sound design's contribution to the game's setting. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the soundtrack offers some enjoyable and nostalgic elements, the sound design, particularly regarding weapon audio and environmental effects, falls short of expectations. Reviewers like Riot Pixels and Wccftech noted that the sound design lacks the realism and impact that fans have come to expect from the franchise. The mixed reception highlights a significant divide in how the audio elements contribute to the game's immersive experience, with some praising the soundtrack while others lament the shortcomings in sound effects and overall audio quality. As a result, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War presents a dichotomy in its audio experience, offering moments of brilliance alongside notable deficiencies.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is largely praised for its strong performances that enhance the game's immersive and cinematic feel. Critics highlight effective delivery and character interactions, boosting the narrative. However, notable criticisms arise regarding the absence of original voice actors for iconic characters, inconsistent performances in translations, and a mute protagonist, which detract from the overall experience. While there's strong talent on display, these shortcomings prevent universal acclaim, resulting in a mixed reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War has received a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the effective performances that enhance the game's narrative and atmosphere. Critics like DarkStation and Game Revolution praised the solid delivery of lines, which contribute to the overall immersion and the spy-themed vibe of the campaign. GameSkinny noted that the stellar performances make the campaign feel cinematic, while Gaming Nexus emphasized how well-executed voice acting supports character interactions and narrative development. Additionally, many reviews, including those from XboxAddict and Cheat Code Central, pointed out the impressive quality of the voice performances, enhancing the game's immersive experience. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the voice acting that detract from the overall experience. Some critics, such as Hardcore Gamer and Press Start Australia, mentioned that the replacements for iconic characters are noticeable and affect the authenticity of the experience. Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com highlighted inconsistencies in performances, particularly in the French dub, while CGMagazine described some performances as laughable, bordering on B-movie quality. The absence of a voice for the player character, Bell, was also criticized by several reviewers, including Riot Pixels and PlaySense, as it diminishes the emotional impact of character interactions and the story. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the voice acting in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is generally strong and contributes positively to character depth and immersion, there are inconsistencies and notable absences that impact the experience. Critics like TheXboxHub and Worth Playing affirmed the quality of voice talent, but the lack of original actors for returning characters and the mute protagonist received mixed reactions. Ultimately, the voice acting is a mixed bag, with standout performances that elevate the game, yet overshadowed by some shortcomings that prevent it from being universally acclaimed.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War shows mixed technical performance across platforms. Xbox Series X and PS5 versions deliver solid gameplay at 4K 60fps, while the PC excels in graphics with ray tracing and DLSS. However, all versions suffer from significant bugs, crashes, and matchmaking issues, overshadowing the positives. Critics largely agree the game feels rushed and needs more polish to meet franchise standards. Overall, a disappointing experience despite some commendable aspects.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War varies significantly across different gaming platforms, with some positive aspects noted by critics. On the Xbox Series X, Player 2 highlighted that the game runs smoothly at 4K 60fps without noticeable frame drops, suggesting a solid experience for some players. The PS5 version also received praise for its performance, with multiple reviewers, including Digital Chumps and TrueGaming, noting its smooth gameplay and impressive visuals, particularly with the adaptive triggers enhancing the experience. On PC, several critics, such as MMORPG.com, praised the port for its performance, effectively utilizing ray tracing and DLSS to maintain high framerates, making it a strong contender for players seeking graphical fidelity. However, the negatives for each platform are considerable and often overshadow the positives. The Xbox Series X version has been criticized by multiple reviewers, including WellPlayed and Game Rant, for being plagued by bugs, crashes, and performance issues that disrupt gameplay. On the PS4, critics like Gamer.nl and Metro GameCentral pointed out significant technical issues, including lag during cutscenes and connection problems, which detracted from the overall experience. The PC version also faced its share of challenges, with critics like Launcher and Windows Central noting matchmaking issues and instability in Zombies mode, indicating a lack of optimization that affected the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while there are some commendable aspects to the technical performance of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, particularly on next-gen consoles, the game suffers from a multitude of technical issues across all platforms. Critics like GameSpot and Easy Allies highlighted persistent server and matchmaking problems, especially in multiplayer modes, which detracted from the overall experience. Despite some reviewers noting improvements and solid performance on specific platforms, the general sentiment leans towards disappointment, with many indicating that the game feels rushed and in need of further polish and stability improvements to meet the high expectations of the franchise.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War offers replay value through its branching campaign and engaging Zombies mode, but critics lament its short campaign length and limited multiplayer content. While some features entice players for a revisit, overall limitations may hinder long-term engagement, leaving many wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War reflects a mix of appreciation for its features and concerns about its limitations. Many critics, such as GameSpot and Digital Chumps, highlight the campaign's multiple endings and branching narrative paths as significant factors that encourage players to replay the game. The inclusion of side missions and player choices, noted by GameMAG and Game Revolution, adds depth to the gameplay experience, allowing for varied outcomes that can entice players to revisit the story. Additionally, the Zombies mode is frequently mentioned as a highlight, with critics like GameSpace and Daily Star expressing excitement for its replayability and potential for future content updates. However, despite these positive aspects, numerous reviewers point out the game's shortcomings in terms of replay value. The campaign's short length is a common criticism, with critics like DualShockers and JeuxActu noting that the brevity and limited optional content may leave players wanting more. The multiplayer experience also faces scrutiny, as many reviewers, including Jeuxvideo.com and Ragequit.gr, describe it as limited in terms of maps and modes, leading to a quick sense of having explored all content. Critics like Easy Allies and Metro GameCentral echo these sentiments, suggesting that the lack of innovation and engaging modes in multiplayer may deter players from returning frequently. In summary, while there is a consensus that Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War offers some replay value through its campaign choices and Zombies mode, many critics agree that these elements are not enough to compensate for the game's overall limitations. The campaign's short length and the multiplayer's lack of content are significant drawbacks that could affect long-term engagement, as noted by WellPlayed and Gameblog.fr. Overall, the critics seem to suggest that while the game has potential for replayability, it ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling reason for players to return after their initial playthrough.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment towards Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War showcases several positive aspects that critics have highlighted. Many reviewers praised the game for its engaging single-player campaign, with critics like God is a Geek and Digital Chumps noting its strong narrative and enjoyable gameplay. The multiplayer experience also received commendations, particularly for its variety and the introduction of modes like Zombies, which several critics, including GamePro Germany and Xbox Achievements, found to be compelling and well-executed. The game is described as a solid entry in the franchise, with GameSkinny and GameCrate emphasizing its ability to appeal to both new and returning players, showcasing the potential for replayability and enjoyment across various modes. However, the game is not without its shortcomings. Critics have expressed disappointment regarding technical issues, outdated visuals, and a perceived lack of content. For instance, Softpedia and GamesRadar+ pointed out that the game feels like an iteration of previous titles rather than a fresh experience, with some reviewers like GameCritics questioning the value of the game due to its political content and limited multiplayer maps. Furthermore, VGC and Gaming Age noted that the game lacks the innovation and depth expected from a franchise that has historically pushed boundaries. This sentiment is echoed by several others who feel that while the game has its merits, it ultimately falls short of the high standards set by its predecessor, Modern Warfare. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is a mixed bag that offers a blend of enjoyable gameplay and nostalgic elements while also presenting significant flaws. While many reviewers like GamesBeat and Comicbook.com rated the game positively, highlighting its strengths in campaign and multiplayer modes, they also acknowledged the technical issues and lack of innovation that detract from the overall experience. The game is seen as a competent entry that provides fun for casual players but may not satisfy hardcore fans looking for depth and innovation. As such, it stands as a solid, if imperfect, addition to the Call of Duty franchise, with hopes for improvement in future updates and installments.

TL;DR

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War delivers an engaging single-player campaign and solid multiplayer modes, earning praise for its narrative and variety. However, it suffers from technical issues, outdated visuals, and a lack of innovation, leaving critics divided. While it appeals to casual players, hardcore fans may find it lacking depth compared to its predecessor, Modern Warfare. Overall, it’s a fun, if flawed, entry in the franchise with room for improvement.

MONSTER

Reviews

202 reviews found

100

GameOver.gr

PlayStation 4

Nov 20, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, the game is praised as a significant milestone for the franchise, combining classic elements with innovative ideas for an engaging experience.

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Cheat Code Central

Xbox One

Nov 17, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is a great entry into the Black Ops storyline, with a compelling storyline and flaws that may be forgiven due to their potential tie-in with the plot twist. The campaign alone makes it worth buying.

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AusGamers

Xbox Series X

Nov 13, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly praises Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, calling it a special entry in the series with a strong story mode, polished visuals, and engaging gameplay mechanics. It suggests that the game is a must-play for fans of the franchise.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Nov 24, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is a fresh and exciting entry in the series. The solo campaign offers more than just a rollercoaster of action, and the multiplayer is solid. The game is well worth a look.

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MMORPG.com

Nov 23, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is described as brilliant, with a thoroughly enjoyable campaign featuring unexpected features and a return to form for the franchise, making it a worthwhile experience especially for the campaign alone.

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PCGamesN

Nov 12, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is a superb offering from Treyarch, with a playful campaign, excellent multiplayer experience, and a refined Zombies mode. Despite minor technical issues, the game delivers on all fronts and revitalizes the Black Ops series.

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 5

Nov 12, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A return to form for the franchise, showcasing Treyarch's signature style and setting the stage for an exciting future.

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Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 5

Nov 12, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War logra mantener el interés con una campaña rica en narrativa, un multijugador equilibrado y un modo zombis atractivo, aprovechando las capacidades de la nueva generación.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Nov 13, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War on PlayStation 5 delivers a solid campaign with branching narrative choices, impressive visuals, and engaging gameplay. While not perfect, it sets a good foundation for the next generation of consoles.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 4

Nov 12, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite some shortcomings in the campaign and technical aspects on older consoles, the game excels in multiplayer and Zombies, providing a satisfying experience.